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Defeating Diabetes

Mission:

LCI initiated this global cause to address the growing worldwide impact of diabetes. The mission is to:

  • Reduce the prevalence of diabetes and improve the quality of life for those diagnosed.
  • Educate ourselves and our communities about diabetes.
  • Develop community environments that inspire and support healthy lifestyles.

LCIF Diabetes Grant Program

Club Speaker:  

Contact Diabetes Awareness Chair, Kathy Gold, RN, MSN at kathy@kathygoldcde.org or 703-282-4078.

Diabetes Service Activities:

Rethinking Diabetes Service Projects -- In the past, Lions often supported diabetes through health fairs and screening events. With advances in diabetes care and treatment, widespread screening is no longer needed. However, that doesn’t mean there are fewer opportunities — quite the opposite! It may simply require thinking a bit outside the box.

Projects You May Already Be Doing -- Many service activities your club already supports may qualify as diabetes service projects:
  • Supporting or volunteering at clinics - Improving access to care improves quality of life. Many clinic patients live with diabetes, so your service directly supports this global cause.
  • Supporting healthy food access - Volunteering at or supporting educational farms, community gardens, or food banks promotes healthy lifestyles. Encourage food drives to focus on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beans — all diabetes-friendly options.
  • Promoting physical activity - Fun runs, park clean-up days, walking programs, or neighborhood fitness initiatives all support diabetes prevention and healthy living.
Want to Do Something More Structured? -- District 24-L provided a five-year grant to establish a Diabetes Education Program for school nurses and school personnel, now active across the Commonwealth of Virginia. This program provides essential, annual training for teachers, counselors, bus drivers, coaches, and other staff who support students with diabetes. While Fairfax County adopted the program, it relied on temporary LEARNS funding, which has now been depleted. Clubs can help keep this program alive by adopting a school.
  • Cost: Only $23.10 per school per year.
  • Reach: Over 13,000 individuals statewide.
  • Impact: Improved care for children with diabetes and education for school staff—many of whom may also have diabetes.

Some Lions Clubs have partnered together to support entire school districts, creating a lasting and meaningful impact.

Additional Ideas to Consider
  • Partner with Leo Clubs, Boys & Girls Clubs, or schools to sponsor sports nights, fun runs, or community gardens.
  • Establish a community garden at Lions Camp,  or a school, allowing kids to plant, harvest, and cook what they grow.
  • Collect and distribute healthy recipes with food bank donations, including tips on:
    • Preparing, storing, and freezing fresh vegetables.
    • Using beans as affordable protein.
    • Making healthy snacks like kale chips.

Information & Ideas:

Globally, One in Eleven Adults has Diabetes

November is National Diabetes Month. It is a time to raise awareness, educate the public, and encourage people to take preventive steps to manage their diabetic risk. Diabetes is a disease of epic proportion. It is estimated that 31 million people are diabetic in the US. It is the eighth leading cause of death in the US.

Globally, it is much worse:

  • 463 Million 20-79 year olds have diabetes.
  • 50% of diabetes cases are undiagnosed.
  • 10% of all adult health is caused by diabetes.
  • 374 Million people are at increased rise of type 2 diabetes.
  • 2 Million deaths are caused by diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes has no known cause or cure. Type 2 diabetes is often caused by poor diet and lack of exercise. Left untreated, diabetes can lead to blindness, nerve damage, kidney failure, stroke, or heart attack.

Since 2000, LCIF and Lions have been funding education and resources to fight diabetes. Around the globe, LCIF has been supporting screenings, education, and access to health facilities, especially in low-income areas.

An example of Lions and LCIF coming together in the fight against diabetes:

With a $95,000 grant from LCIF, Lions in Chicago partnered with a local hospital to develop “Jumpstart Your Health” program providing education and resources to low-income adults at risk of developing diabetes. Lions backed by LCIF and hospital professionals were trained as ambassadors who became advocates for diabetic prevention. Their Jumpstart meetings became a classic example of Lions doing what they do best- serve!

Lee Dompke is an example of their success. A father, grandfather, and friend to all, Lee knew that if he did not do something soon, he would become one of the 400 million people worldwide living with diabetes. After taking part in the Jumpstart program, Lee lost 80 pounds, has become healthier, and is no longer at risk for diabetes. Lee thanks Lions and wants everyone to know “how much good Lions are doing for communities like his every single day.”

Diabetes is one of LCIF's eight global causes. Several years ago, our district received an LCIF grant to empower and aid regional nurses in schools across our district through the LEARNS Program. LCIF has also supported several children in attending diabetes camps through Community Impact Grants.

Diabetes is often known as the silent killer, but as Lions we can and are making noise to help educate and prevent it, one person at a time.

VDG Chuck Schwab

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